13 February 2006 00:00 Follow the Central Networks electricity guide and play safe this half term
Enjoy the break from school but take care and stay safe this half term, electricity distribution company Central Networks is reminding children and parents across the Midlands.
The company is issuing a special safety message for the half term holiday warning children of the dangers of playing near the electricity network.
Stephen Hennell, Network and Public Safety Manager at Central Networks, said: “We understand that children want to make the most of the break from school, to get outside and play, but we want to make sure they don’t put themselves in unnecessary danger.
“Electricity can be dangerous, but by being aware of the potential hazards and taking care around substations and overhead lines children can keep safe and still enjoy themselves.”
Central Networks has set up a website (www.powerdiscoveryzone.com) especially designed for children, with fun activities to teach them about electricity, and how they can learn to recognise the dangers around the home and in the street.
The website contains jokes, competitions, games and fun facts and will also keep children entertained if the weather is bad over half term.
Top safety tips
• Play ball games well away from substations. If your ball does go into a substation, never try to get it yourself. Call Central Networks on 0800 626441(West Midlands) or 0800 626555 (East Midlands) and someone will come and rescue the ball safely, and as quickly as possible;
• Never fly kites or model aircraft anywhere near overhead lines because electricity can travel down string. If your kite does get caught in the cables ring Central Networks immediately, someone else could get hurt or be killed by touching the hanging string;
• Follow the instructions on warning and prohibition signs when fishing on managed waters and fish only in areas away from overhead power lines, poles and pylons – modern carbon fibre fishing rods and poles conduct electricity. Remember to “Look out – Look up” at all times when carrying fishing equipment to rivers, lakes and ponds.
Please visit our website at www.central-networks.co.uk for more information and advice.
Ends
Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables – enough to go round the Earth almost four times – and via almost 97,000 substations;
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.
• The Power Discovery Zone website (www.powerdiscoveryzone.com) is designed to support Central Networks Power Discovery Truck which is a free resource that visits local schools to teach pupils about electricity and electrical safety.
• Anyone who would like the bus to visit a school, safety event or show should visit www.powerdiscoveryzone.com and follow the directions in the Teacher’s Zone.
For further information contact:
Jane Branscombe on 024 7642 5528
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779
A selection of Central Networks pictures is available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk and looking under Distribution